Leadership & Staff

2018-19 Vision Board

Peace’s Vision Board consists of elected members and the Lead Pastor, and maintains the long-range vision for the congregation. The Board ensures that the mission and vision of the church are consistent with the activities of the congregation. The five-year vision and annual budget are based on input from the ministry teams, staff, finance team and the planning boards.

​Recommendations for membership are based upon an active life of service, consistent and positive involvement in ministry at Peace, an appreciation for the whole ministry of Peace, the desire to share time, talent and other resources, and a proven ability to work and serve collaboratively on a team. Nominees are elected to two-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms. A vote of affirmation is held once a year, usually in May.

Karen McClain - Past-President

Karen and her son, Michael, have been Peace members since 1997. Both have been active in a number of ministries and volunteer opportunities over the years including Faith Mission, HOPE Ministries, Catechism, Friendship Ministries, community outreach and small groups. Most recently, Karen worked with the Vision Board and Staff to develop the congregational survey. She provided analysis and recommendations for which to move forward. She says, “I want others to experience the energy at Peace and to know what Peace has to offer them.”    ​

John Bickley - President

​John, his wife Minda and daughter Jessie, have been members of Peace since 2009. John is retired from the YMCA, where he spent 38 years as a Professional Director. Since joining Peace, he has been active in Friendship Ministries, The Hope Picnic, community outreach and small groups. John is also currently involved in GRIN, Franklin County Board for Developmental Disabilities and The YMCA of The USA Membership Standards Committee.

Pat Tietz - President Elect

Pat and her husband Doug have been members of Peace since 1984. She has volunteered and/or led in children’s ministry, Catechism and various outreach ministries. Pat started, and continues to lead Peace’s Friendship Ministries and is currently part of the Haiti Leadership Team. Pat is a retired physical therapist who has spent most of her career working at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Pat is also involved in programs at the Adaptive Sports Connection and is a mentor with FCCS. ​

Jason Herrmann - Glorify Board

​Jason, his wife, Tracy, have attended Peace since 2007, becoming members in 2010. They have two children, Madison (14) and Alex (11).  During this time, he has enjoyed serving in Children’s Ministries and on the grounds crew, helping with lawn care and landscaping. His desire to serve Peace is driven by his belief that “Peace has become family for us. We have come to realize that God has blessed us with a loving community that is focused on serving others. Experiencing this level of fellowship has brought to light, the importance of community.  I look forward to being part of this influence as Peace continues to reach out to our immediate and surrounding communities.”

Jeff Huenemann - Communications Board

​Jeff and his wife, Kristen, started attending Peace in 2009, becoming members in 2010. They welcomed their daughter Abigail in November, 2014. Jeff is active through the Pub Theology community and planning committee, and also works as an audio engineer for the contemporary worship services. He is excited to serve the congregation and connect with new people.

Kara Sather - Gift Board

​Kara and her husband, Sam, have been actively participating in Peace’s ministry for five years, becoming members in 2015. Kara has enjoyed supporting Pub Theology and the "It's Monday" series on what it means to live a Christian life at work.  On Mondays, you can find Kara at Abbott Nutrition where she is an engineer. What Kara most appreciates about Peace is the core message of love and acceptance for yourself and others. Peace’s emphasis on supporting the local community as well as the congregation in living out this message has continued to impress Kara. She is excited and honored to serve on the team that helps set this vision.

Marshall Zimmerman - Grow Board

​Marshall and his family (wife Karen, children Brian and Christy) have been members since 1993. His involvement includes IHN, Catechism and small group leader, past Vision Board member, SET and more. Outside of Peace, his roles include serving as a Big Brother and as a board member of GRIN. Marshall recently retired after a long career in the IT industry at IBM and Salesforce. He has both a BA and MBA from Rutgers and has participated in executive development programs at Wharton, Babson and Harvard.

Jim Holloway - Treasurer

Jim and his wife Alicia have attended Peace since 1996, during which, they and their two children have enjoyed serving in various areas including Vision Board, Southeast Testament, Mission Trips, Camp Friendship and the Stewardship Committee. Jim and Alicia also enjoy their longtime membership in a small group. Jim has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Bowling Green State University. With more than 38 years experience in accounting and finance, he is currently the CFO and Treasurer of Contract Lumber, Inc.

Lynn Cory - Grace Board

Lynn and her husband John joined Peace as members in February of 2017 after regularly attending for several years. She has participated in several volunteer opportunities including HOPE Works and Peace Serves, and is a member of and active in the recently created interfaith group EPIC. Lynn frequently participates inIt’s Mondayand Pub Theology. She also is a mentor and volunteer with Freedom a la Cart, an organization that serves survivors of human trafficking through the Franklin County Municipal CATCH Court.  She has been employed as a paralegal with the firm of Ice Miller in Columbus for 26 years. Lynn believes that “[O]ur most important  job is to love others and one of the best ways to show love is by serving.”

Staff

Kiley Aidt - Nursery Coordinator

Kiley is from Bucyrus, OH and moved to Blacklick in 2004 with her husband and high school sweetheart, Aaron. They had been searching for a church for quite some time and instantly felt at home at Peace. The pastors, the staff, the community involvement, the abundant volunteers meter opportunities, and the children's ministry made them feel at home at Peace right away. They joined Peace in 2014. She is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University with a degree in Business Management and is a supervisor in patient ​billing at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Kiley and Aaron (an Ohio University alumnus) have been married for over 13 years, and they have two daughters, Layla & Nora. They also have a son that resides with our Lord in Heaven, Isaiah David, born still in 2011. The Aidt family enjoys sports and takes many trips to sporting events cheering on their Columbus Clippers, St. Louis Cardinals, Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. But mostly you'll find them in Athens in the fall cheering their hearts out for their beloved Ohio University Bobcats!

You can reach Kiley at kaidt@peacegahanna.org.

Gary Baptiste - Finance Manager

Gary oversees Peace's day-to-day income and expense activities: depositing donations, paying vendors, managing bank accounts, and issuing payrolls. Gary enjoys serving behind the scenes and helping Peace's leaders accomplish their service and ministry goals. In addition to serving since 2009 in this role at Peace, Gary also works at Nationwide Insurance in the Office of Finance. For Gary,  being a Christian means following the example of Jesus, the ultimate servant leader. His position has provided him a better understanding of that example by being able to help Peace's staff and leaders accomplish life-giving service and ministry goals. He believes "we are blessed to be a blessing!"

You can reach Gary at gbabtiste@peacegahanna.org.

Sara BEnnett - Office MAnager & Wedding Coordinator

Sara has been a member at Peace since 1984. She holds a degree in Business Adminstration/Human Resources Management from Franklin University and spent 12 years in Human Resources with the City of Columbus. She and her husband, Jeff, were married at Peace in 1994 and live in Reynoldsburg with their two sons, Seth and Luke. Within Peace, Sara has served in numerous volunteer roles, including Board of Deacons, Usher, Communion Assistant, Nursery Volunteer, Children’s Ministry volunteer and  Vacation Bible School Kitchen Team Leader. In addition to her current role, Sara has been Peace's Wedding Coordinator since 2002.  Outside of Peace, Sara is very active volunteering in her children's schools, in various capacities.
When Sara transferred her church membership to Peace from her childhood congregation, she found her true church home. She loves the people of Peace and enjoys serving, growing and learning alongside them. She feels like people are all on the same journey, moving at different paces, but doing it together.

You can reach Sara at sbennett@peacegahanna.org.

Greta Clouse - Children's Ministry Leader

Greta is originally from Toledo, Ohio and  first learned about Peace Lutheran as a camp counselor at Camp Luther, part of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio. She attended Capital University, earning her degree in Early Childhood Education and began regularly attending Peace after graduation. She has since earned a ​Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton and has earned her Administrator's License as well. Greta taught third grade at Reynoldsburg City Schools for seven years and then became an Instructional Coach. She and her husband Greg (a pharmacist), have been members at Peace for over 15 years, and now reside in Pataskala. They have been blessed with two boys: Griffin and Grady. When she is not working at Peace, Greta enjoys planning parties and events, and spending time together as a family. For her, working on the Children's Ministry Team has been a true blessing, as she is able to use her skills as an educator, work with children and families and be creative, all while spreading and teaching about the love of Christ.

You can reach Greta at gclouse@peacegahanna.org.

Dwight Hedrick - Visitation Pastor

Dwight grew up in Columbus and attended Capital University. While there, he sang in the Chapel Choir, which began a life-long passion for choral music. Upon graduation, Dwight attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary, interning at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Massillon, OH. He was ordained in 1960, and called to serve as a Mission Developer at Peace Lutheran Church, Beavercreek, OH. In 1977, Dwight was called to Peace, as its Senior Pastor. He left Peace in 1989 and became an Assistant to the Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the ELCA. When Dwight retired in 2000, he returned to  Peace as a part-time member of the Pastoral Staff. Dwight and his wife, Marilyn (Mitty) have three grown children: Beth Milligan, David Hedrick, and Christa Mann. On any given day, you might find Dwight visiting congregation members in the hospital, singing in the Peace Choir, or enjoying his nine grandchildren. 

John Huenemann - Communications Director

John has been a Columbus resident since 2013, after graduating from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH with a degree in Music Composition and Theory. He later worked as a Brick Specialist (brand representative) for the LEGO company, while completing a Master's degree in Music Composition from the Ohio State University. 
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Along with working at Peace (A/V technology, communications and promotions), John is a freelance composer, pianist, music engraver, food blogger, and podcast producer, and is among the shorter members of his family at a mere 6 feet. He loves board games and tabletop games, especially Dungeons & Dragons (he's a level 8 Elven Wizard). His last name is pronounced /'hjuː•nə•mɨn/.

You can reach John at jhuenemann@peacegahanna.org.

Michael Lester - Minister of Music and Arts

Michael is a native Texan and graduate of Baylor University.  While earning his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in piano performance, he studied with Russian pianist and Artist-in-Residence, Krassimira Jordan.  Following graduation, he studied at the Borsendorfer International Piano Academy in Vienna, Austria. In 1994, Michael moved to Columbus, Ohio where he served as vocal coach at the Ohio State University, and was on the piano faculty at Ohio Wesleyan and Columbus State Community College.  In 2000, Mr. Lester joined the faculty at Otterbein College where he taught both piano and voice until 2008. ​​Michael began work at Peace in 1999 and his position became full time in 2004.  At Peace, Michael is able to incorporate all the aspects of his musical background: gospel, sacred, classical and instrumental music and Opera, spirituals and choral music. One of Michael’s  greatest joys is meeting with friends over food and wine and conversation.

You can reach Michael at mlester@peacegahanna.org.

Kai Nilsen - Lead Pastor

Since 2005, Kai Nilsen has served as lead pastor at Peace after having joined the staff in 1993. Throughout his career, Kai’s ministry has been motivated by a core conviction that God has planted in each of us the capability to love each other, to serve those in need, to hope during dark times, and to experience a full life in the present moment. Beyond his work at Peace, Kai is on the Ministry Team for Renovaré—an ecumenical movement focusing in spiritual formation, a teacher in the Renovare’ Institute for Spiritual formation, and a leader in the local ministerial association. In 2009, Kai completed his Doctor of Ministry degree through Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Nilsen graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota in 1985, where he met his wife Patty. ​​He graduated from Luther Seminary in 1989 and was then called to serve Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin. Kai’s book Renew Your Life: Discovering the Wellspring of God’s Energy came out in the fall of 2015. In it he describes seven ways that God has been renewing life from the very beginning (Genesis 1:1-2:3) through the creative energies of Grace, Possibility, Paradox, The Natural World, Relationships, Fruitful Work and Rest. The book is available for purchase at Peace's main office Welcome Center during office hours, for $15 (of which $5 will be donated to Gahanna Residence In Need), or you can order it online. The Nilsens are parents of four children—Anders, Annika, Leif and Siri. When asked what he does when he is not at Peace, Kai answered, “During the time I have not devoted to work or my family, I love heading to the YMCA for an intense workout, sharing a glass of wine with friends or curling up on the couch for a relaxing read.”

​You can reach Pastor Nilsen at knilsen@peacegahanna.org, and listen to his podcast INspire on SoundCloud or subscribe on iTunes.

Pat Rocca - Operations Director

Pat graduated from Columbus Business University in 1981 with an Associate Degree in Secretarial/Administrative Sciences. Pat’s work history includes the State of Ohio in its Bureau of Insurance and Risk Management and also Wexner Investment Company.  After the latter, Pat stayed home to begin raising her family – with husband Steve – including daughter Alex and sons Nick and Adam.
Pat enjoys reading thriller novels, cooking and more travel time with her husband of 24+ years. You can reach Pat at procca@peacegahanna.org.

Wendy Slates - Pastoral Care Coordinator

Wendy Slates joined the Peace staff in 2015. Wendy (by earlier profession, a registered nurse), has been a Peace member since 1996 and has been an active volunteer for various ministries including Children’s and Student, and has played a key role in Peace’s Free Community Lunch. She and her husband, Jim (who also volunteers on the Care Team), have three children. In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, eating out and watching funny movies.
You can reach Wendy at wslates@peacegahanna.org

Laura Strickland - Chief Design Catalyst

Laura graduated from Bowling Green State University (Go Falcons!) with a major in Photography and Graphic Design. Her family joined Peace in 2004, and she quickly began utilizing her design skills helping with children’s ministry. Eventually, Laura started helping Peace with branding strategies that involved a new logo redesign and website (which has had some further facelifts since then!) Finally in 2017, Laura officially became part of the Peace staff where she continues to help guide our branding and marketing strategies. When Laura isn’t at Peace, she is often driving her three kids to and from practices & games. Her family does a lot of traveling, but when they have a break from sports they love to attend Indians Baseball & Columbus Blue Jacket games together. ​

You can reach Laura at lstrickland@peacegahanna.org.

Dana Stuckey - Director of Outreach Ministries

Dana graduated with his undergraduate degree from Capital University, and his masters degree from The Ohio State University. He is retired from teaching after 30 years in the Gahanna-Jefferson school district. Dana started as the Director of Outreach at Peace in the fall of 2002.
He and his wife, Lorraine, have two wonderful children and 4 amazing grandchildren. Dana likes to play golf in his spare time and is a season ticket holder for Buckeye ice hockey.
You can reach Dana at DStuckey@peacegahanna.org.

Doug Warburton - Pastor & Outreach Minister

Doug was called to Peace in 2004.  A native of Columbus, Doug graduated from THE Ohio University in 1990 and is proud to be a Bobcat.  Doug attended seminary at Trinity Lutheran Seminary from 1995-1999. He has two sons, AJ and Matthew. Doug married his wife Lara in August of 2014, merging his two sons with her two daughters Stephanie and Natalie. Together they live in Gahanna.  Doug enjoys cycling, skiing, great beer, and his wife is teaching him to appreciate good wine.
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You can reach Pastor Doug at DWarburton@peacegahanna.org.

Tirzah Hawley - Student ministry Leader

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Tirzah has always had a love for music and people. She has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Oakwood University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Peabody Conservatory. When Tirzah is not singing and performing, she loves to interact with people especially students. From high school until now, Tirzah has always found a way to interact with students. Her first experience working with children was as a Camp Counselor. She also participated in Vacation Bible School as a Bible teacher and has volunteered with Peace's Vacation Bible School as the Preschool Music Teacher for the past two years. Normally singing on the praise team, Tirzah is so excited and privileged to be the Student Ministry Leader and working with 6th-12th graders exclusively. Tirzah loves to connect via music, games, and conversation over ice cream or a cup of tea. ​

You can reach Tirzah at thawley@peacegahanna.org.

STacie Ware - Preschool Coordinator (Children's Ministry Team)

Stacie is originally from Coshocton, Ohio and was introduced to Peace after graduation. She instantly felt at home and was drawn in by the welcoming and inclusive feeling of Peace.  Stacie is a graduate of Miami University with a double major in Business and Communications. She is currently working part time for a corporate wellness company but considers her most important job as mom to her two young boys: Everett and Nolan. Stacie and her husband Aaron have been members of Peace for 8 years and currently reside in Lewis Center. The Ware family loves the Buckeyes, spending as much time outdoors as possible and traveling together.

​You can reach Stacie at sware@peacegahanna.org.

Finance Team

Peace's Finance Team consists of the Treasurer, Finance Manager and Operations Director of Peace as well as several volunteers familiar with business management or accounting/auditing functions.  The finance team provides proper business procedures to be routinely followed for all finance/accounting office practices.  And this group will provide assistance to parish leadership by maintaining a watch over the monthly financial activities of the church. The finance team reviews financial reports for previous months to offer advisory information to the Vision Board on a routine basis.  The finance team is also charged to set the scope and timing of any audit engagement, and will identify and secure the external / internal auditing resources needed to conduct annual reviews of the financial records.  This team will communicate with the congregation on a reporting basis as needed. For more information, Contact Pat Rocca, Operations Director.

​Those presently on the team are:  Norm Leist, Treasurer; Gary Baptiste, Finance Manager; Rod Chu; and Pat Rocca, Operations Director.